New York Settled Lawsuit Over Inmate Death
The state agreed to pay $24 million to the family of Robert Brooks following his 2024 death in custody.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Criminal Justice
New York state has reached a $24 million settlement with the family of 43-year-old Robert Brooks. The agreement concludes federal civil rights and state court cases involving the death of Brooks, who died following a beating at the Marcy Correctional Facility.
Why it matters
The settlement addresses a high-profile case of in-custody violence in which correction officers beat an inmate while he was handcuffed. The resolution follows criminal convictions for the officers involved, including second-degree murder and manslaughter charges.
The settlement of $24 million resolves pending federal civil rights litigation and a case in the New York State Court of Claims. Former correction officer David Kingsley II was previously convicted of second-degree murder and manslaughter.
The players
Robert Brooks
He was a 43-year-old man from Rochester who died after a beating at a state correctional facility.
David Kingsley II
He is a former correction officer who was convicted of second-degree murder and manslaughter.
Marcy Correctional Facility
This is the state prison in Oneida County where the fatal incident involving Robert Brooks occurred.
The details
Correction officers at the Marcy Correctional Facility beat Robert Brooks while he was in handcuffs on December 9, 2024. Body-worn camera footage documented the assault, leading to the convictions of officers involved in the incident.
Timeline
December 9, 2024: Robert Brooks was beaten by correction officers.
December 10, 2024: Robert Brooks died at a hospital.
September 18, 2026: The state reached the settlement agreement.
Legal Context
This settlement follows a pattern of high-stakes litigation involving state-run correctional facilities in New York. It underscores the ongoing scrutiny of custodial oversight and the use of force within the state prison system.
This settlement concludes a major case involving state-employed officers, highlighting issues of accountability within local correctional institutions. The payout reflects the gravity of the incident and signals potential shifts in how such liability cases are managed by the state.
The takeaway
The resolution of this case highlights the severe legal and financial consequences of misconduct by correction officers. Public transparency regarding in-custody incidents continues to be a central focus for state oversight agencies.
What happens next
The family and their attorneys are scheduled to hold a news conference on Monday morning.
Further reading
For more information on state policy, see the Criminal Justice section.
